Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Great Moments in Political Marketing

I've always felt that some kind of "street theater" can be the most effective way to get a message across, and that's particularly true in the world of politics. Forget the high-minded op-ed piece in the New York Times, give me a stunt that really demonstrates your point.

For example, in the 1980s, when College Republicans were riding high, a chapter in New York would rent boats, then float out into New York harbor and anchor near cargo ships from the Soviet Union. With signs and bullhorns, they would encourage Soviet sailors to defect and offer them rides back to shore. It really demonstrated how the kids felt about freedom.

Likewise, on a number of campuses in recent years, young conservatives have held bake sales. But instead of setting one price for a brownie, for example, there was a menu that told you what your price was based on your membership in various demographic groups. (See photo.) It's a great way to shine a light on the nuttiness of "affirmative-action" quota programs.

(Needless to say, college administrators go absolutely out of their minds when these bake sales take place and several have been shut down. On most college campuses, "freedom of speech" is fine if you want to promote Islamic Jihad or NAMBLA, but it ends when you try to promote conservative ideas.)

Today, as various "tea parties" are taking place across America, we get word (hat tip to NRO.com) of another food-related offering that really gets the point across. Without any more comment, here it is:

"At the Greenville, S.C., Tea Party, "They will be selling the 'Obama burger' — you pay for one and they cut it in half and give the rest to the guy behind you for free!!"

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Tim Droogsma is President of Twin Bluff Creative, a PR/Communications company in Red Wing, Minnesota. He has been, at various times, a sportswriter, Press Secretary to U.S. Senator Rudy Boschwitz, Press Secretary to Minnesota Gov. Arne Carlson and Communications Manager for a division of General Electric.

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